Walking is perhaps the best way to discover a new destination, admire the area’s beauty and culture and meet locals in remote destinations. But when that walk takes the form of a trek through majestic mountain landscapes, exotic wildlife, starry skies and the very best of nature, you’re truly in for a treat. From off-the-beaten-path adventures to pleasant walks through sleepy mountainside villages, these are the 5 best treks in the world. So don your boots and get hiking! And don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you leave.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Kala Patthar is perhaps the best spot on the planet to catch a glimpse of the world’s highest peak. It lets you get as close to Mt. Everest as you can without having to do any professional mountaineering. You tend to feel overwhelmed till you acclimatise to the high altitude, but once you’re in tune with the mountains, you cannot help but be mesmerised by the stunning scenery and those friendly Sherpa people. Trekking to Everest Base Camp has been one of the world’s best adventures for decades and it still is today!
2. Inca Trail, Peru
The ancient Inca Trail is one of the most traveled and oldest routes on the planet. It is incredibly beautiful and it offers almost everything you wish to see in your trek – snow-capped mountains, lush jungles, exotic scenery and fantastic experiences. You tend to fall in love with the views from the Sun Gate, and the first sight of ancient Machu Picchu is sure to be the best view you’ll ever see. The ideal time to go on the Machu Picchu hike is between the months of April to November.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain on the planet. Its biggest draw is that it introduces you to all kinds of ecosystems that you can possibly imagine, ensuring vast and varied experiences.
At 5,895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro is easy when compared to Mt Everest, but don’t let that fool you. The highest mountain of Africa is still a beast, and incredibly difficult. That said, with a little bit of preparation and a good itinerary allowing for proper acclimatisation, you should be able to enjoy a successful Mount Kilimanjaro climb, for the best views that the continent has to offer.
4. Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal
Once an ancient trade route, the Annapurna Circuit trek re-opened its doors to visitors in the year 1977. It doesn’t attract as much fanfare as the Everest Base Camp trek, but it certainly is every bit as beautiful. Considered to rank among the most amazing hikes on the planet, the Annapurna Circuit is where you get to click picture-perfect photos for your social media profiles. Your journey begins with a monkey covered jungle and sweaty walks as you slowly gain altitude.
The mountains only come into view after a few days, and that’s when those tantalising vistas and magical sceneries begin to form all around you. The best moments of this horse-shoe shaped circuit include watching the sun rise over Poon Hill and enjoying views of surrounding mountains from the Thorung La summit.
Cinque Terra
5. Cinque Terre, Italy
If you’re looking for an adventure without ever having to get away from mesmerising natural beauty, the Cinque Terre trail is just perfect. It may not take you closer to high mountain peaks and alpine sceneries, but it presents an overdose of the sun, the sand and the sea with picture-perfect vineyards and beautiful old villages for desert.
The Blue Trail, the path that connects those five ancient Mediterranean villages, hugs the Ligurian coastline, ensuring you’re always close the crashing Mediterranean waves, the area’s romantic vibe, wild herbs and exotic wines.
The journey also takes you back into time, making you feel like you’re stepping right into a fairy tale, with beautifully colored buildings opening out to a deep blue sea! The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during the Spring and Fall seasons, when the area is covered in all sorts of colours and the weather is cooler.
These treks demand fully-fit legs and a steely grit. They leave you weary, tired and exhausted. They force you to undergo lots of preparation. But if you do decide to take on one of these trails, you’re sure to be rewarded with the best travel experience of your life.
